Many memories started and ending with a "true gentleman's" handshake. From one veteran to another and of a grateful nation, thank you for your service! As your family views the ceremony of the playing of taps and folding of old glory allow me to the privilege and honor of explaining...The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life, The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in external life, The 3rd is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world, The 4th fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in time of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance, The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it still is our country, right or wrong.", The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie, It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, The 7th fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, weather they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic, The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day, The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded, The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born, The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost...When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In Gog We Trust"...Rest easy Soldier, beloved husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Uncle your mission here on earth has been completed.....